Inauguration of the Platinum Jubilee of St. Anne’s Friary and Inauguration of the Assisi House New building and Infirmary
12th of March 2011 was a red letter day for the St. Anne’s friary. Since the inception of the friary it is seventy five years. The Capuchins first laid their foot in the Mangalore diocese in the year 1930 and established their first house and Novitiate at Monte Mariano Farangipet. Meanwhile as they were growing in numbers and involved in Pastoral and Spiritual ministry, they felt the need to establish a transit house in the city as it was difficult for them to reach out everyone. Therefore they were looking for a transit house in the City. At this juncture in the year 1936 as good Samaritan came forward Mr. George Lobo a Jailer in the prison came forward to donate his house and a little portion of his land to the capuchins with the condition that His wife Mrs. Anna’s name should be given to the friary, thus it was known as St. Anne’s Friary. The rest of the land was purchased by the friars.

On 12th March 2011 at 10.30 a.m. the Jubilee year was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp before the Mass. On behalf of the entire order Br. Provincial Fr. Vincent G. Furtado lighted the lamp, on behalf of the local superior and friars Fr. Peter Cyprian D’Souza, on behalf of the Benefactors Fr. Leslie Shenoy, on behalf of all the past Superiors and Friars Fr. Bertrand D’Cunha and on behalf of the younger Brothers Bro. Valerian Ferrao, a novice.

This was followed by the holy Eucharist. The main celebrant Fr. Provincial thanked almighty God for the all the blessings the almighty has showered upon us through this Friary, and also he remembered all the Superiors and all the friars who have spent their life here serving the people and the church and all those who are continuing this mission of the Lord and also all the benefactors and all those who visit this friary for their spiritual and temporal needs. He also called upon the friars in this Jubilee year re examine their life and amend their life according the Franciscan charism and lead a life which is pleasing to God and according to the spirit of the founder. He warned the friars saying the more we become profane and secular, we will be more far from God. Nearly Thirty priests concelebrated in the Jubilee mass.

After the mass there was blessing of the Assisi House new building and Infirmary. Fr. Thomas D’Souza the senior most in the community, inaugurated the New building by cutting the ribbon and followed by blessing of the premises by Fr. Provincial. This was followed by felicitation programme. Fr. Anil D’costa, master of ceremonies kept everyone hale and hearty by his humour and many questions. Fr. Peter Cyprian D’Souza welcomed the august gathering, dignitaries and all the guests. He said today is really golden letter day as our hearts are glorify the Lord for His mercy and kindness as we inaugurate the new building after four years. He also mentioned that foundation stone was laid to this building when Fr. Joachim D’Souza was the Superior in the year February 2007 and Fr. Jossy Fernandes was then Provincial. Today our long awaiting dream of a infirmary is complete. Fr. Provincial remembered the General Minister of the order and all the definitors for their great support and help and also all the benefactors. He thanked the Architect Mr. Praveen Saldanha and Mrs. Manjari Saldanha for designing the building and their selfless service and the contractor and all the workers for their valuable job. Mr. Praveen Saldanha thanked Capuchins for the opportunity given to him to serve them and recollected that it was very pleasant to work with them. After which Fr. Provincial Felicitated Architect, Contractor and all the workers for their selfless service. Fr. Prakash Lobo thanked everyone remembering the pleasant memories of the Assisi House. The sumptuous meal was served to the gathering.

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